STORE DESCRIPTION:The first Williams-Sonoma store opened in 1956, selling a small array of cookware imported from France. Since then, the brand has expanded to hundreds of products from around the world, more than 250 stores nationwide, a direct-mail business that distributes millions of catalogs a year, and a highly successful e-commerce site. What has never changed is Williams-Sonoma's dedication to customer service and strong commitment to quality.